MoE unveils Fashion District, to offer international fusion

The Fashion District at Mall of the Emirates offers a fusion of international fashion, with influences from America, Europe including the UK, Japan and the UAE. — Supplied photo

After the completion of Evolution 2015 redevelopment by the end of next year or early 2016, the mall’s 25 per cent retail mix will be completely new for shoppers, including the debut brands now open at the fashion district, Dimitri Vazelakis, executive managing director for Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, told Khaleej Times after the opening.

The project, which will reveal a series of exciting new shopping, dining and entertainment concepts, is the largest of its kind undertaken by Mall of the Emirates to-date and will set a new benchmark of design and shopping excellence for the retail landscape, according to the Vazelakis. He said that the second phase includes a 25,000 sqm expansion and it will be situated above the existing Carrefour store. The company is adding a new second level which will comprise a very large VOX cinema complex, a substantial food and beverage offering and a lifestyle centre, Vazelakis said. This phase is expected to be completed early next year, he added.

The mall, which already has two adjoining five-star hotels, might add another luxury hotel, indicated Vazelakis. He expects overall a double-digit growth in visitors’ footfall after the completion of the programme. The mall receives nearly 40 million visitors annually.

Fashion District

The company has invested a Dh100 million for the creation of the new district, which spreads across 5,000 sqm and it will significantly enhance the mall’s luxury fashion offer with a refreshed collection of contemporary brands.

The district offers a fusion of international fashion, with influences from America, Europe including the UK, Japan and the UAE.

Presenting a dynamic collection of modern brands, with influences from fashion’s most enviable cities, Mall of the Emirates has introduced a number of first-time stand-alone boutiques into the UAE including the debut of iconic American luxury label Halston Heritage, the edgy McQ by Alexander McQueen, and Parisian-chic with Sandro. At the new district, more than 30 contemporary stores unveiling a refreshed mix of debut and existing brands to create a stylish new landmark for the city.

“The Fashion District is a significant milestone in Mall of the Emirates’ Evolution 2015 redevelopment, providing a tangible preview of the mall’s wider ambitions to introduce innovative fashion and lifestyle concepts,” Vazelakis said.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtiems.com